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Why Everyone Was 'Blown Away' by Kevin Hawkins' Last Chance Performance

We haven't seen the last of the piano teacher.

By McKenzie Jean-Philippe
Kevin Hawkins Performs Silk Sonic's "Skate" | NBC's The Voice Top 16 2022

The Voice definitely isn't the end for Kevin Hawkins. From his magnetic Four-Chair Turn Blind Audition to Gwen Stefani stealing him during Season 22's Knockouts, the piano teacher has impressed from the moment he entered the competition.

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Watch The Voice Mondays and Tuesdays at 8/7c on NBC and next day on Peacock. 

And for his first-ever Live Show performance in the Top 16, Hawkins' charismatic rendition of Silk Sonic's "Skate" had the Coaches dancing in their red chairs.

"We got to actually hang out a little bit and just talk about life, and you have done so much already in your career, and it's incredible to see you just blossom on stage," Stefani said during the show. "And I get to be part of that. So I thought you were incredible. You're doing it all. You can dance, you can sing, you can perform. You have it."

However, during November 15's Live Results show, the Lancaster, TX native found himself in the bottom four after Kiqué and Justin Aaron were saved by the Overnight Vote for Team Gwen. Stefani then saved Alyssa Witrado, leaving Hawkins vulnerable. For his Last Chance song, the musician brought the house down with a cover of Childish Gambino's "Redbone." The performance brought Hawkins to tears and earned a standing ovation from the Coaches and enthusiastic cheers from the audience.

Kevin Hawkins' Last Chance Performance of Childish Gambino's "Redbone" | NBC's The Voice 2022

"The room is exploding, that was so incredible," Stefani said. "Obviously, everyone is blown away. I can't even talk, it's so loud in here, my gosh. That was so beautiful. It really was like you were just like, 'I'm gonna show 'em every single side of my voice.' And just seeing you so emotional, you're just an incredible Artist all around as a performer. You're beautiful, you have so much style."

In the end Team Blake's Bryce Leatherwood earned the Instant Save, sending Hawkins home along with Kate Kalvach and Sasha Hurtado. But you can't keep Hawkins down for long.

"ALBUM MODE ACTIVATED," he tweeted later that night. "YOU WILL SOON SEE I AM NOT CONFINED BY A GENRE. I AM MUSIC."

Watch The Voice on NBC Mondays and Tuesdays at 8/7c and next day on Peacock.

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